By Sophie Taylor
The Melbourne Mavericks will mark a new chapter in 2024, entering the competition as the first newcomers since the beginning of SSN and intending on shaking up the competition.
With some big names making the switch to the new strip, fans will get to see plenty of new connections in action – and plenty of excitement across the hand-picked bunch.
Head coach Tracey Neville has assembled a team to be reckoned with, balancing pizzazz with composure and inviting plenty of intrigue.
Can the Melbourne Mavericks break the “team of champions” stigma to become a champion team?
Here’s a brief run through on the Mavericks’ signing period.
Ins
Eleanor Cardwell (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Maisie Nankivell (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Sasha Glasgow (West Coast Fever)
Kim Jenner (West Coast Fever)
Olivia Lewis (Melbourne Vixens)
Gabrielle Sinclair (Celtic Dragons)
Molly Jovic (Collingwood Magpies)
Amy Parmenter (GIANTS Netball)
Lauren Moore (GIANTS Netball)
Tayla Fraser (NSW Swifts)
Outs
N/A
Molly Jovic has found a new home at the Mavericks in 2024.2024 Squad
Shooters
Eleanor Cardwell
Sasha Glasgow
Gabrielle Sinclair
Midcourters
Molly Jovic
Amy Parmenter
Tayla Fraser
Maisie Nankivell
Defenders
Kim Jenner
Olivia Lewis
Lauren Moore
Predicted Starting Seven
GS: Eleanor Cardwell
GA: Sasha Glasgow
WA: Tayla Fraser
C: Molly Jovic
WD: Amy Parmenter
GD: Kim Jenner
GK: Liv Lewis
While the Mavericks may not have the luxury of experience together as a group, they do have some tried and true combinations which will work in their favour – especially with a limited preseason.
However, the Mavericks have the luxury this year of a complete overhaul across several SSN teams, ultimately evening up the playing field slightly for the Mavs to take full advantage of the opportunity ahead.
England Roses spearhead Eleanor Cardwell has made the switch from the premiership winning Adelaide Thunderbirds and will head up the goal circle alongside fellow Rose and former Fever lynchpin Sasha Glasgow.
In a new-look team, that time together in the England Roses environment will be key to creating a formidable attack from the get-go. Both players can shoot from range, with accuracy rarely an issue. Add in that Cardwell also will link back up with new head coach and former Roses coach Neville, and it’s a match made in heaven.
England goalers Sasha Glasgow and El Cardwell will team up at the Mavericks.Former Collingwood Magpie Gabby Sinclair will make her SSN return after a season away at the Cardiff Dragons (formerly Celtic). Sinclair’s long-range shooting ability saw her become a real weapon in the UK. while her combination with former Collingwood teammate Molly Jovic will add another layer to the Mavericks’ potent attack.
Jovic’s physicality and ability to adjust to her teammates’ movements will be a great addition to a heavily defensive midcourt group, while versatile former Thunderbird Maisie Nankivell can ply her trade across any midcourt position. Nankivell’s attacking connection with Cardwell will be crucial as the Mavericks look to wreak havoc across the court.
NSW talent Amy Parmenter, Tayla Fraser and Lauren Moore will link back up through the midcourt and back-end, with great speed, timing and ball-winning ability on offer.
Parmenter and Moore have made the switch from the ever-consistent GIANTS, while Moore and Fraser were both part of the premiership-winning Swifts outfits in both 2019 and 2021; partnerships which will certainly help the Mavericks cement their full-court connections early on.
Rounding out the group are Kim Jenner and Liv Lewis, with both defenders offering great elevation and ball-hunting prowess which match nicely with Moore’s skillset. The defensive trio boasts plenty of versatility, so do not be surprised to see lots of rotations to keep attackers on their toes.
The Mavericks’ inaugural squad is reasonably balanced when it comes to overall experience, with some unsung heroes getting an opportunity to shine in SSN’s new era.
